How long does it take to become a certified registered nurse anesthetist?

Once they have received these designations, an individual must gain admission to an accredited graduate nurse anesthesia program. Program requirements vary depending on the college or university but typically require an applicant to hold valid RN licensure, a bachelor's degree in nursing (most programs now require an MSN as well).

A minimum of one year of full-time work experience, or part-time equivalent, is required as a registered nurse in a critical care setting. The average experience of RNs entering nurse anesthesia educational programs is about three years.

Additionally, while at this time, some nurse anesthesia programs offer a master's degree that qualifies the graduate for the certification exam. However, that is changing. In 2025, all CRNAs will need a doctorate in nurse anesthesia to enter the field. A few programs may still offer a master's degree that meets the criteria for certification until 2022.

While CRNAs with a master's degree will be grandfathered in, many degree-seekers choose to enroll in doctoral programs, which equip them with the most advanced skills and knowledge in the field and allow them to consider more career opportunities with higher salary options.